Loneliness and social isolation are chronic problems in the elderly in the North East. An estimated 50,000 pensioners in the region are chronically lonely and are 50% (50%!!!!!!) more likely to die prematurely than people with good social networks. This makes loneliness as big a mortality risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Many are dog lovers and when they meet a furry friend from Wag & Company, they get the bonus of a very nice two legged one at the same time. Over 401 amazing Visiting Wag Teams are currently making the difference, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, down to Stokesley, across to Haltwhistle and pretty much everywhere in between.I've decided to run for Wag & Company because I know how important socialising and support for the elderly is. And you get to see pictures of a fat lad in a Dalmatian outfit…got to be worth a few quid.